I'm in the process of changing out my radiator core support and decided why not give my timing belt a quick look just for peace of mind. I was horrified by what I found. There's a lateral tear about a 1/4" long. This comes as quite a shock to me because the dealer told me the TB was changed at 105,000 miles, the car has only 128,280 on it now.

Even with my limited knowledge of engine workings, I'm pretty sure this TB is doomed. Am I right? This is my daily driver, so being without it for more than a couple days is going to suck, but if that's what I have to do I'm sure I'll think of something.



I was told the TB, water pump, and chain assembly were all replaced at an official Audi dealership sometime in 2007 at 105,000 miles. Do the timing belts and labor usually come with a warranty from the dealership?

 

i would certainly not turn the car on again until you change that belt. every minute you drive it is risking that belt breaking- and we all know how fun that is.

the belt is two years old, unless the dealership gave you a piece of paper saying you have a warranty, i would assume that you dont. if it was replaced a few months ago or 5k miles ago and you noticed that you could go back there and raise some hell, but you werent even the owner of the car at that time right? sorry to say you are SOL.

 

I figured that was the case. I even called the dealership that did the work, and they told me they only had a 12 month or 12,000 mile warranty on all their parts.

How hard of a job is it to replace the TB? Would I need to replace the water pump and thermostat seeing how it's only been 23,000 miles since they were last replaced? Any other related components I should replace? I've got some basic mechanical knowledge and some patience, how long should the entire job take me? I already have the core support off the vehicle.

 

Thats kinda scary man, I'd just be happy you caught it before your motor self-destructed.

 

Yep, I was thinking the same thing.

 

if everything else was already changed then only the belt needs to be changed. since you already have it apart, the belt will come out with just loosening the tensioner. make sure to mark your cam in case it spins

 

bro that's scary, here's a link to a DIY

 

So the TB itself and maybe some new ribbed belts are the only parts I'll need? That's a relief. Judging by the DIY I'm guessing no special tools if I'm only replacing the belt.

I'm guessing no more than an hour or two of work from this point, right?

 

Dude, get on your knees and thank the Car Gods! Not many who get this lucky.

 

to bad no one has made a timing CHAIN conversion kit for these motors huh? I bet they would make a small fortune